The course is designed to teach children how to safely respond to a variety of home alone situations, including Internet and telephone safety, family communications, sibling care, personal and gun safety, and basic emergency care.

The course was created by the Southeastern Michigan and Oregon Trail Chapters of the American Red Cross to meet the needs of children who spend time alone without adult supervision. It helps kids understand the rules and responsibilities in a home alone situation and prepares them to anticipate potential problems and how to resolve them.

Children will engage in role playing, discussion, brainstorming and critical thinking. A video reviews the salient information, participants retain a workbook and relevant handouts, and each child will earn a certificate upon completion.

The course cost is $20 and it is being held at Gifford Medical Center’s new Family Center space at the hospital in Randolph. The Family Center is beside Gifford Ob/Gyn and Midwifery on Route 12 (South Main Street). Call Powers at (802) 649-1841 to register or Nancy Clark at Gifford at (802) 728-2274.

The course cost is reduced thanks to a gift from the Lamson-Howell Foundation of Randolph.